If you cut a nail too short and do not have styptic powder, which of the following could you use instead?

Using flour or corn starch as a substitute for styptic powder is effective because both can help staunch bleeding from a nail that has been cut too short. These substances work by acting as a coagulant, which aids in the formation of a clot by helping the blood to clot more quickly.

Baking soda, while it might absorb some moisture, does not have the same clotting properties as flour or corn starch and may not effectively stop the bleeding. Water does not work at all for this purpose, as it can exacerbate the bleeding by washing away any formed clots. A cotton ball, while absorbent, does not possess any hemostatic properties and would not aid in stopping the flow of blood. Therefore, flour or corn starch serves as a practical home remedy when styptic powder is not available.